Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Mar.
Hi Olivia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstories.
I’ve always been into art and have explored just about every visual format. Once I started experimenting with gemstones, I got hooked on their beauty and their meaning, and I sought to enhance that with my jewelry design. My first piece was a custom engagement ring for a friend, and I kind of became known as an engagement ring specialist. I wanted to expand, but I knew if I wanted to start a business, it needed to stand out and have meaning — just be really special. So, I took the time to discover the principles I wanted to build the brand upon, which are intention, purpose, and love. Using those, I built Olivia Mar with hand-crafted pieces that are unique and elevated, and that really emphasize the natural beauty of the stones and their wearers. I revisit the principles with every piece and continue to use them in my expansion into my candle line.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I always say that nothing worth striving for comes easy — it’s a good way to turn those bumps and struggles into a reminder that they’re a natural part of the process, and a lesson can be learned from each one. I wouldn’t frame it as a “struggle,” necessarily, but I took a lot of time to dream up and develop my business and held it back until I thought it was truly ready. In the digital age, everything is so immediately accessible, so sometimes restraint can feel like a bit of a speed bump. But I knew if I didn’t spend a lot of time behind the scenes, making something truly special and with intention, it wouldn’t be able to stand on its own once it was revealed to the world.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My approach is elegance meets alternative. I am most proud of the commitments that my brand has made to the environment and humanity—our practices are sustainable and all of our stones are ethically sourced. Recently, we joined up for reforestation efforts with One Tree Planted, which means a tree gets planted for each piece we sell. I’m proud that our unique business model provides customers luxury without compromise.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I’m inspired by spontaneity! I get so much out of jumping in the car for an impromptu road trip or grabbing a last-minute Airbnb out in the desert. I find that those trips feed so much into my design process, and there are so many different versions of California vibes from city to city. Getting on the road and taking time to explore really helps clear my mind, allowing for new visions and fresh ideas.
- Email: contact@oliviamar.com
- Website: oliviamar.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/byoliviamar
- Facebook: facebook.com/oliviamarjewelry
- Other: pinterest.com/byoliviamar & tiktok.com/@byoliviamar
